Since Ukraine applied to join NATO in 2018, tension with Russia has been on the rise. The neighboring country does not want the Ukrainian territory to align itself with Western interests, putting the region’s Soviet past as a determining factor. However, the decision to become part of the Alliance remains firm. So why is Ukraine not part of NATO yet?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was created in 1949 as a way of militarily protecting member countries against the rapid expansion of the Soviet Union. In addition, it was a way to provide protection to all these countries against a possible global threat such as the one posed by Germany just a few years before.
This military alliance was made up of only 12 countries, which today host another 16 members, including two North American countries, making a total of 28 representatives.
The purpose of this Organization is to defend each other against any attack, an agreement that is reflected in article 5 of the treaty. For this reason, any country that is willing to defend the borders of its neighbors can join if it meets certain requirements.
This availability is what led some ex-Soviet regions to join NATO, which precisely motivates Russia to press for Ukraine not to join.
What requirements are necessary to join NATO?
The Organization does not establish formal requirements to be part of its alliance. However, countries that want to be a member must meet some basic standards, as Insider collects:
– Defend democracy, which also includes tolerance for diversity.
– Be in the process of assuming a market economy.
– Its military forces must be under strict civilian control.
– Respect sovereignty outside its borders.
– Work to achieve compatibility with NATO forces.
Once a country shows its interest in being part of the Organization, NATO initiates an Action Plan for Accession, by which they will formally become a member.
Why is Ukraine not part of NATO?
Although Ukraine has repeatedly reiterated its interest in joining NATO, its accession has never been formalized. However, the Organization designated the European country as an “enhanced opportunity partner.”
This title is awarded to countries that are not members, but have contributed to NATO military operations.
From here, it should be noted that Ukraine already requested in 2008 that this Action Plan for Accession be initiated, something that the Organization welcomed.
However, with the coming to power of Viktor Yanukovych in 2010, whose interests were more closely aligned with Russia’s than NATO’s, membership was ruled out.
On the other hand, the coming to power of the Ukrainian right in 2014 caused the exile of Yanukovych, and the different executives who have governed the country since then have once again put on the table the possibility of joining NATO.
However, the disturbances caused by the disputes between the two Ukrainian sides in recent years have caused the rejection of Germany and France, who already refused in 2008 for Ukraine to join NATO.
Here the problem appears. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is governed by consensus. That is, to carry out any action, all member countries must agree with the decision. Which is why Ukraine is not yet part of NATO.
“Who is ready to defend us? Honestly, I don’t see any,” said Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, in a recent statement, as collected by CNN. “Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee to join NATO? Honestly, everyone is afraid.”
Facebook Comments
Disqus